Tour de France riders could 'come a cropper on potholes'

An MP has warned that Tour de France riders in next year's race could "come a cropper" on British potholes.

Conservative Julian Smith, whose Skipton and Ripon constituency will host parts of the Yorkshire stages of the Tour in 2014, asked Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander for road improvements in the region.

Mr Alexander said some of the money earmarked for road maintenance in last year's Autumn Statement could go towards making sure the roads are safe for riders.

Rider beware: Tour riders run the risk of 'coming a cropper' on British potholes. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire